Navigating Disability
What if the conversation around disability focused on possibility instead of limitation?
Welcome to the Navigating Disability Podcast Show, hosted by Kate Read, a passionate advocate dedicated to changing the narrative around “normal” and “ability.”
Each week, Kate sits down with inspiring guests to explore lived experiences, expert insights, practical advice, and powerful stories from across the disability community. From advocacy and education to honest discussions about systems, supports, and real-life challenges, this podcast is about helping people feel informed, empowered, and connected.
Whether you’re living with disability, supporting a family member, working in the sector, or wanting to better understand the journey — this podcast is for you.
So get ready to be inspired, informed, and reminded that you are not navigating this journey alone.
Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Navigating Disability with Kate Read.
Navigating Disability
We All Have Unique Needs: Mel James on Motherhood & Advocacy
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Mel James is a force of lived experience, resilience, and truth-telling. In this powerful episode, she shares her journey as a mother of children with "unique needs," her advocacy within the disability and education systems, and her personal healing from complex trauma.
Mel dives deep into what it means to raise children in a world that often misunderstands difference, the grief and grace of diagnosis, and why connection, community, and compassion must lead the way.
With fierce vulnerability, Mel calls out systemic failures while offering hard-earned wisdom on self-preservation, acceptance, and advocacy. Whether you're a parent, educator, or ally, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about shifting the narrative around disability, trauma, and motherhood.
Trigger Warning:
This episode includes discussion of trauma, sexual abuse, and complex PTSD. Please take care while listening.
If you need support, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 (Australia).
🔊 Hit play. Be inspired. Share the truth.